In Massachusetts and other states, parents in the midst of a divorce are typically thinking of convenience when they are contemplating the right custody schedule. When it comes to an even custody split between the parents, it often means that the children end up alternating weeks between the parents’ homes. Now, experts are saying that this type of schedule may not be the best solution for the children.
As a parent, you should know that the metric for custody cases is whether something is in the best interests of the children. In this case, the children’s best interests could be impacted by the emotional effects of this schedule. Specifically, the children may develop separation anxiety because they are forced to be without one parent for an extended period of time. You do not know what the impact on their relationship with you or the other parent will be as they struggle to acclimate to their reality.
You may also struggle with the logistical challenges of having physical custody for one week at a time. Sometimes, you may find yourself stuck at work and unable to leave when your children need to be picked up or dropped off somewhere. You have multiple demands as a working single parent, and sometimes one demand can be inflexible. It may be easier to balance when you have a shorter period of time for your turn having physical custody of the children.
If you are trying to implement a schedule in which the children switch locations more often, you may need the help of a family law attorney to help get you to the right custody arrangement. It may take some work for the other parent to embrace and agree to a new schedule since they may be stuck on the traditional way of thinking. The attorney may be able to negotiate a solution and put it in the divorce agreement.
